The way your parents brought you up could influence how you treat your dog, according to new research.
A study of dog owners in the UK and US has found that the parenting styles individuals experienced in childhood are linked to how they treat their pooches as adults.
Researchers from the Universities of Glasgow and Stirling asked 391 dog owners to complete an online survey.
This included assessments on the parenting styles they experienced as children and the way they look after and discipline their dogs.
Analysis revealed participants who experienced a permissive parenting style – characterised by high warmth and responsiveness but low demands and discipline – were more likely to apply the same style to their dogs.
Parents who adopt this style are often very lenient, avoid strict rules and allow significant freedom in decision-making.
They are affectionate and recognise their children’s needs but usually lack the ability to provide direction and structure.
Meanwhile, participants who experienced authoritative parenting were less likely to be permissive with their dogs.
This type of parenting leans more towards clear rules and high expectations, fostering independence while maintaining consistent discipline and open communication.
The style also tends to emphasise parental authority and the focus is on obedience rather than understanding.
Writing in the journal, Animals, the researchers said: ‘This study explores how parenting styles towards dogs are influenced by experiences in one’s own upbringing.
‘We found that a permissive parenting style tends to be passed down across generations, with individuals who experienced it growing up being more likely to use it with their dogs.’
Interviews with 10 dog owners confirmed that participants were deliberately replicating their own experiences of parenting.
Their analysis also revealed that a ‘protectionistic’ orientation toward dogs was most common, which emphasizes control and discipline.
The next most common was a ‘humanistic’ attitude, which focuses on treating dogs more as companions and emphasizing emotional bonding.
